On March 10, 2020, Blue Ridge Job Corps hosted a center tour for a group of seniors from high schools in Smyth County. Guidance counselors from Chilhowie, Northwood, and Marion Senior High Schools brought students from each of their respective schools, who had shown an interest in the Job Corps program. Business & Community Liaison Jordan Loupe and Student Government Association President Maranda Hargrove served as tour guides for the group of six students.
The guests began the tour with a program overview provided by Loupe, and then proceeded to tour the campus, visiting the dormitories, classrooms, recreation, and wellness departments. Career Technical Training instructors and their students also took the time to provide trade overviews and demonstrations. The tour concluded with an information session from Outreach and Admissions Manager Laken Price, who explained and answered questions regarding the application process.
According to the guidance counselors, their students walked away impressed. Kristie Comer, counselor at Chilhowie, said, “during our ride back to school, our students kept thanking us for taking them. By seeing the center first-hand, I believe that they realized that Job Corps is a real option for them after graduation.” She continued, “I wouldn’t be surprised at all if you have a few students from Chilhowie High School enrolling at Blue Ridge in the coming months.”
“I am very grateful to the counselors for taking advantage of the opportunity to bring their students to our center,” said Loupe. “The students were all highly engaged, and we look forward to many more students in the future.